

■fl 




Class 



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Book. Ji 

Copyright^ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 





THE 




BROKEN UNIT 




By 




J. A. BRUBAKER 




» 

c * 

» u t, 

DEDICATED 




to 




Those whose life stories are 




still in the making 



3*4 



Copyright, 193^ 

By 

J. A. BRUBAKER 

Kansas City, Missouri. 



A535127 

5 I9|y 



^ \ 



FOREWORD 

IN PRESENTING this little volume to the 
public, it should be remembered that 
these stories were written, one each 
week, during business hours, by a busy man, 
who, for lack of space, must, by simple word- 
ing, suggest his thoughts. 

Also that the first sketch was written 
when our own Kansas City boys were leav- 
ing for the front, and that the one hundredth 
sketch was written at the time they were 
coming home. 

We also wish to state that at the time they 
were written, we had no thought of this 
publication. However, as time went on and 
we began receiving comments, assuring us 
of appreciation, and that we were reaching 
many people through our homely illustrated 
stories, who otherwise could not be reached, 
at the conclusion of the one hundredth 
sketch, we asked our readers for an ex- 
pression, and having received several hun- 
dred requests for copies of the publication, 
we could not do other than compile these 
stories. In addition to the "Broken Unit" 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

sketches, and as a result of a recent trip to 
Colorado, we also include in this volume 
"The Whispering- Romance of the Hills." 
It may be interesting to know that prac- 
tically all these stories were written on Fri- 
day, and were as much a message to the 
author as his readers. It is especially in- 
teresting- that he should be led back to the 
hills, within a few miles of the scene of the 
first sketch, and there conceive the con- 
cluding story, which in a sense reviews, and 
should also prompt many to review their own 
life stories. May our readers catch a new 
vision of life, and may they also in some 
fashion see, as the cover design also indi- 
cates "beauty in the rough." 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



First Sketch, 



On the dump of the "Quo Vadis" mine, I 
picked up a piece of ore, one side of which 
was rich in free gold. "We find his mate; 
the chunk was broken by the blast; where 
there is one, there is always another," are 
words of the Swede foreman I shall never 
forget. Presently he found "his mate," equal 
in richness, and when placed together formed 
a perfect unit, but without the separation 
no gold was visible. The break was -neces- 
sary to see and to get the gold, which by a 
white heat is again united. * * * Na- 
tions and peoples are separated by war and 
other causes. Those who are lonely, heart- 
sick and discouraged, remember, "Where 
there is one, there is always another," that 
through separation, struggle and sorrow the 
hidden richness of each becomes visible. 
When we sacrifice for the good of others it 
is not lost, but some day, somewhere the 
good will again be united. 

May 25, 1917. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Second Sketch. 



Not all breaks are necessary to the dis- 
tribution of richness, but here is another: 
"I have yet many things to say unto you, but 
ye cannot bear them now:" The Master, to 
prepare his followers for the break and sep- 
aration, uses many kind expressions. Study 
the story and note how carefully the bond 
which held them as one is guarded. The 
unit must be broken, but the contact must 
not be severed. To tune the mind and heart 
in harmony with His — thereby providing 
means of communication to cheer them dur- 
ing separation — also others in all future time 
— was a task none other than the Master 
could have accomplished. It is the telepathy 
provided in advance for those who are in 
perfect harmony with Him. I have traveled 
over land and sea and like Lord Tennyson, 
"I find no place that does not breathe some 
gracious memory of my friend/' 

June 1, 1917. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Third Sketch. 

On an observation car at Ward, Colo., 
in company with friends, I was sitting by 
an old schoolmate and we were talking over 
our childhood days when attention was called 
to a lady sitting alone, facing us, in the front 
end of the coach. Contentment, sympathy 
and kindness were beaming from her brown 
eyes, her face lighting up occasionally as 
though thinking of her children. Then with 
eyes turned heavenward we caught a glimpse 
of some rare unconscious expressions, re- 
flecting her richness of thought to others. 
Surely she must be one of those quiet stars 
we seldom see or know, a part of a unit, only 
temporarily separated. At least the bond 
which held them as one or the contact had 
not been severed. Who was she? We did 
not know — but remember the words of the 
Swede, ' 'Where there is one, there is always 
another," we find her mate. 

June 8, 1917. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Fourth Sketch. 

Mining, like going with the girls, encour- 
agement is necessary to keep a man digging. 
A year later I was still intensely interested 
— in the mine. "You be like Muller, the store 
man," the Swede remarked. The store re- 
ferred to is located half a mile back in the 
hills from the railroad, where I found Mr. 
Muller, a man of my build and dispositiion, 
rich in natural resources, and while his store 
was located amid beautiful scenery, I could 
not understand why a man of his ability 
should be in such an out-of-the-way place. 
He was not considered religious, yet a man 
of high ideals. His sincerity,* honesty of 
purpose and satisfying contentment added a 
romantic interest. In many ways we were 
similar, but from whence came his content- 
ment I could not understand. Yes, we were 
alike — except he had brown eyes, was quite 
handsome and one everybody liked. "We 
find his mate. ,, 

June 15, 1917. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Fifth Sketch. 

"Birds of a feather flock together." We 
are now winding through the gorgeous can- 
yon, fascinated by the clear romping waters 
of the mountain stream, for a distance of 
eight miles to Boulder, where Mr. Muller 
maintained his residence and I a room. As 
we approached the station, his face sudden- 
ly lighted up. "Oh, there is my wife!" he 
said. "I want you to meet her." As we 
were introduced she said in a most charm- 
ing manner, "My husband has often spoken 
of you. We want you to take Sunday dinner 
with us." In meditation, I retired to my 
room. Their kindness confirming my first 
impressions, also reflecting harmony of the 
hills by the store where they resided pending 
school age of their children. Mrs. Muller 
reminded me of one I had either seen or 
known, but where, I could not recall. Now 
enriched by anticipations, I found myself 
studying the source of all goodness, pre- 
paratory to the Sunday School. 

June 22, 1917 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Sixth Sketch. 



From Sunday School, I went direct to the 
Muller residence, and after a most hearty- 
welcome and a romp with the children we 
were at dinner. My stories, tone of voice 
and awkward gestures commanded attention. 
Then with a searching "You-get-me ?" look, 
I caught a glimpse of a year ago scene. At 
that same moment, Mrs. Muller addressed 
me, saying: "I have seen you some place; 
where was it?" "It was a year ago on the 
observation car at Ward." "Were you sit- 
ting by a lady with blue eyes and red hair?" 
"I was." We were convinced, but could not 
recall seeing each other after our train left 
Ward, nor were we conscious of being 
studied. Now, this recognition, and she a 
mate to Mr. Muller, to whom I was already 
attached, was a remarkable coincidence ; each 
adding romance to our friendship and a rich- 
ness to my stored-away-to-keep memories of 
this beautiful unbroken unit. 

June 29, 1917. 



10 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Seventh Sketch. 

"What I do thou knowest not now, but 
thou shalt know hereafter." Some people, 
like the Master, are so rich in kindness, sym- 
pathy and appreciation and so penetrating 
in effect, we always remember them. Others 
are more selfish in designs and grevious in 
effect — murmurings often reminding - us, 
"The poor always ye have with you, but me 
ye have not always." True, separation was 
necessary for the good of others, yet we 
rejoice because the bond has not been brok- 
en, nor has the contact been severed. "Were 
it not so I would have told you." But if we 
did not distribute the effect of this richness 
to others this would indeed be a selfish, 
stingy world. For this purpose we are now 
with the masses, and, as usual, when among 
strangers, we hide our real self back of our 
foolishness. Whether man can always so 
hide we know not, but the distribution of 
richness or study of others requires hiding 
of self. 

July 6, 1917. 



11 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Eighth Sketch. 



During my stay at the mine, I took many 
meals at a Boulder restaurant, operated by 
a man and wife. One morning the man be- 
ing absent, I asked: ''Where is your other 
man?" (meaning her husband). "He is at 
Cripple Creek/' she said, and before I could 
explain or head her off, she was telling 
of his drinking, his abuse, their divorce and 
her remarriage. Her tragic story was quite 
interesting, but I could not refrain disclosing 
my meaning. "You mean thing," she said. 
"I thought you heard; was why I told — ." 
However, a sympathetic look and a deep ap- 
preciation for life stories, also a request for 
anything else she might want to tell, set 
her at ease. That evening I recited to them, 
Mr. and Mrs. Varnum, our experience. We 
men soon discovered playing together when 
boys, that his brother married my cousin, 
that she had nothing more to tell, and that 
this information was obtained by a foolish 

question. 

July 13, 1917. 



12 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Niis t th Sketch. 

I found Mr. and Mrs. Varnum very con- 
genial. Her first husband, however, to use 
a mining- term, was like a chunk of country 
rock clinging to the ore and bore no rich- 
ness. It is my guess they never were mates. 
At least from her story, he went to the bad, 
and the separation was justifiable. * * * 
The question is, can broken units render 
service without a separation? I would say, 
yes, at times. I found one in my automobile, 
where the pieces were held intact by clasps 
and bolts. It rendered a kind of service, but 
not without friction, and not until the unit 
was rewelded did I enjoy efficient service. 
Now, go and have your old machine fixed. 
Of course, should one of the pieces have 
gone to the bad, then replace it with a new 
one or a piece equal in strength and rich- 
ness. Otherwise the machine would not ren- 
der an effective service. 

July 20, 1917. 



13 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Tenth Sketch. 



I am now at Amarillo, Texas, and after 
making some freight traffic arrangements 
I spent the day loafing around town, the sta- 
tion and grounds. Although alone I was not 
lonely, because of the smiling children who 
had both captured and commanded my at- 
tention. While thus entertained by the pure 
minded and among strangers, I was attracted 
by a man whose manner and expression in- 
dicated a deep sorrow. I noticed he was 
also studying me. Presently he approached, 
saying: "Please pardon me, but you look 
like a man I could talk to." "Yes," I replied, 
"I not only look, but am easy. Tell me your 
troubles." So I had his story. "What is 
that to thee, follow thou me." Some people 
so brood over their imaginary troubles they 
have forgotten who and whose they are. In 
this instance, the man was cheered by mere 
suggestions. All honor to the One who 

quietly directs our thoughts. 

July 27, 1917. 



14 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Eleventh Sketch. 



Yes, I told the Texan about the farmer, 
who, after being criticised for overworking 
his horses, said: "My harness will fit any 
horse." I also told him two things a man 
should never run for — one is a street car. 
What this man needed was to readjust him- 
self to meet the conditions, but he could not 
do so alone. He must have a little outside 
encouragement to see, think and do things 
in the easiest possible way. Like a Texas 
ranchman who was hauling water for his 
stock a mile and a half, when asked why he 
did not put down a well to save work and 
time, said: "Because it is a mile closer to 
haul it." As I told the Amarillo man good- 
bye, he said, with a smile: "You surely 
are a wonder. I shall never forget your 
kindness." Remember who you are and 
why, study the simple life "And all these 

things will be added unto you." 

August 3, 1917. 



15 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Twelfth Sketch. 

While visiting the Seven Falls in South 
Cheyenne Canyon, Colo., I chanced to meet 
a gentleman from Jacksonville, Fla., who 
knew many of my business friends in that 
territory. As we were walking through the 
Canyon, we heard something in the rear 
slipping, which sounded like a machine skid- 
ding in sand. As we turned around we saw 
three girls and three bicycles rolling and 
tumbling down an embankment. With our 
assistance, the girls were soon happily on 
their way. Upon reaching Manitou that 
evening, my folks and these three girls, still 
dressed in their wheel attire, were at dinner 
at the same table, saving a place for me. 
Naturally I recognized the girls and a con- 
versation started. As usual, when among 
girls, boys or ponies, I pick one which, in 
my judgment, is a winner. In this instance, 
the honors went to Miss Stacy of Wichita, 
with her easy charming manner, style and 

beauty, won first place. "We find her mate." 

August 10, 1917. 



16 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Thirteenth Sketch. 



The following winter, as announced by the 
press, Miss Stacy of Wichita married a prom- 
inent railroad man of Kansas City, a per- 
sonal friend of mine. Just how I described 
meeting his wife rolling and tumbling down 
the bank, or how they met, matters not. 
* * * Climb with me to the top of the 
Seven Falls, deposit your card in the fam- 
ous card tree, then climb the path to the 
left until we reach a mound of loose rock, 
placed there by visitors in memory of Helen 
Hunt Jackson. This was her favorite spot, 
where she sat, thought and wrote. We are 
now on top of the canyon wall, shut in by 
mountains, except through an opening we 
see a beautiful valley beyond. As we look 
our thoughts go to loved one, to other scenes, 
and to those who have gone beyond. But we 
rejoice because of these words: "Ye have not 
chosen me, but I have chosen you." Now 
be glad you have chosen. 

August 17, 1917. 



17 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Fourteenth Sketch. 



We are always glad to be chosen or re- 
membered. But "watch your step" — it is 
more dangerous to go down than up. A slip 
might mean a break or separation. Our 
message to those below adds fascination to 
our task and protection to our step. We 
must go down to climb again and are now 
en route to Cripple Creek. As usual, we are 
on the rear platform, held spellbound by the 
changing scenery as our train rolls on, in 
and above the clouds among the rocks. We 
are practically unnoticed until we announce 
our sudden discovery as to what mountains 
we are in. As usual, all ask at once and 
when we tell the bunch we are in the Rockies, 
they hunch each other and we get some of 
those "you-think-you're-smart" looks. Yes, 
we started something and to even up we 
found a stool for a sweet-faced lady who 

gave us a rather wishful look. 

August 24, 1917. 



is 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Fifteenth Sketch. 

Soon after crossing the divide we travel 
for an hour or more in sight of Cripple 
Creek, until we get down on a level with 
the town. We are perfectly amazed to find 
a town of this size built right in the hills, 
where, in places to cross the street, it is 
necessary to climb about thirty steps over a 
retaining wall, as one side of the street is 
that much higher than the other. Yes, we 
are on a level with the town, but not with 
some of its people. At night the streets 
are crowded, but not a woman is seen, unless 
accompanied by an escort. Many gambling 
places admit visitors, where they can play 
roulette and other games. But to see real 
gambling, one must procure admittance to 
the galleries, where on the tables below, we 
see thousands of dollars, hundreds of men, 
each equipped with a gun, which means: be 
straight or at least don't get caught. 

August 31, 17. 



19 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Sixteenth Sketch. 



"I have a very dear friend, a niece of the 
, I want you to meet," said the 



hotel proprietress, a former Kansas Citian, 
and well-known society lady. Soon she pre- 
sented the niece, a maiden lady, whom I rec- 
ognized as the sweet-faced lady I assisted 
on the train that morning. Next morning 
I was again surprised, as the niece had also 
planned to return by stage. Soon the ex- 
citement was on, horses on the run and ap- 
parently would soon leap into space, but in- 
stead, they followed the road. At first we 
were more frightened by the danger than 
fascinated by the scenery, and not until we 
heard the driver humming "Some Day When 
Dreams Come True" did we really settle 
down and enjoy the trip. Later I was re- 
membered with a marked copy of the Los 
Angeles Times, and was glad to note the 
popularity of the niece. Who was she? It 
matters not. Guard your step, till we meet 

again. 

September 7, 1917. 



20 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Seventeenth Sketch. 

Somewhere between Long Beach and Los 
Angeles our traction car stopped and we 
were delayed an hour. Two seats ahead of 
us were seated a gentleman and three ladies. 
The man, a New Yorker, was apparently talk- 
ing loud to entertain all on board — and many 
were bored. Presently he espied some hogs. 
"Look at those hogs," he said; "they are 
not the kind of hogs we have in New York." 
"What kind of hogs have you in New York?" 
asked one of the ladies. "We have white 
hogs in New York." "We are just wonder- 
ing back here if any of the New York hogs 
ever got away." Our butting in had the 
effect of touching a button. The crowd, in- 
cluding the three ladies, clapped their hands 
and cheered. Even at Los Angeles many 
showed appreciation, while the New Yorker 
disappeared alone. No doubt some of the 
New York hogs are white, but surely less 

effective in their rooting. 

September 14, 1917. 



21 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Eighteenth Sketch. 

Ten days later we were visiting with a 
gentleman on a train near Seattle, a New 
Yorker, who also give us a get-even feeling. 
Presently the opportunity came. "Unfor- 
tunately for New York," we said, "it is lo- 
cated almost too far from Kansas City to 
ever amount to much." "Where have I seen 
you before?" he asked. "Were you ever 
on a traction car when the power gave out?" 
"Yes," he said, "are you the fellow who 
took that shot at me about the hogs ?" "Yes, 
we plead guilty." However, he had not seen 
us before. He only remembered us by the 
impression made by an off-hand remark, 
while we only remembered him by the effect 
of the impression. When impressions are 
made on the mind mere suggestions revive 
the memory and we remember folks, while 
those who touch the heart we may at times 
neglect, but never forget. We should not 
neglect the one whose sacrifices our hearts 

have won. 

September 21, 1917. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Nineteenth Sketch. 



Here is another impression. We are now 
with folks from Ohio on a Canadian Pacific 
train, and decide to stop a day and night at 
Bamph. The next morning, a beautiful sun- 
shiny day, we leave our wraps at the hotel 
and start up the zigzag path to climb Sulphur 
Mountain. Nearing the top we are suddenly 
drenched by a heavy rain storm. We turn 
back to find the path muddy, slippery and 
dangerous. The ladies skid, fall and roll. 
The two men have their hands full. To save 
time we cut across through the brush. The 
drizzling rain and wet foliage keep us soaked 
and water squashing between our toes at 
every step. We have a grand time, but to 
get the wet ladies through the barbed wire 
fence is some job. We reach the hotel, 
hungry, wet and dirty. Guests and others 
laugh and cheer, indicating they, too, dis- 
like dirty folks, or stories. But, alas, the 
scenery changes; our trunks had gone on 
ahead. 

September 28, 1917. 



23 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Twentieth Sketch. 



We did not mind getting wet or dirty, or 
even being laughed at; in fact, we always 
had a desire to play the leading part in 
"Caught in the Rain," but to miss our din- 
ner and retire alone for three hours pend- 
ing the dry cleaning and laundering of our 
clothing, when we would rather be out with 
a jolly bunch sight-seeing, was anything but 
funny. We can think of nothing more lone- 
ly, except possibly waiting all day at a sta- 
tion; at least, we would rather be the lead- 
ing man, get caught in the rain, wet, dirty 
and hungry; but, of course, we, like others, 
would choose the leading lady. But remem- 
ber, people are never alone in loneliness, or 
in waiting. True, we may, at times, under 
certain conditions, forget that we have a 
means of communication prepared in ad- 
vance. Then keep your friends with you in 
thought and spirit and you will be happy — 

even while waiting alone. 

October 5, 1917. 



2* 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Twexty-First Sketch. 



When in Kansas City we are frequently 
called to a certain office building in which 
we are deeply concerned. Last week as we 
entered the building agent's office one of 
the ladies approached us, saying: "Why is 
it we cannot have some heat?" "The idea 
of asking for heat in summer time," we re- 
plied jokingly. "You never even acted chilly 
to us." "I will take it up with the minister," 
she said; "he is just a little nearer heaven 
than the rest of you." "No doubt that is 
true, but you asked me for heat. You must 
take that up at the other end of the line." 
She burst into laughter, saying: "I will take 
it up with the agent." Two places are in- 
dicated, one at each end of the line. Do 
nothing and we simply drift into one, but to 
reach the other we must turn to the right 
and go straight ahead. This surely gives us 

a steady job. 

October 12, 1917. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Twenty-Second Sketch. 



During these busy days to reach a certain 
Kansas town early Saturday, we drive as 
far as Paola Friday evening. Although the 
road is strange to us and the night dark, the 
smooth running motor seems in perfect tune 
with our far-away thoughts. We follow the 
main traveled road, feeling assured it will 
reach the city. We are perfectly contented 
until we reach about the correct distance 
and no city lights in view. We are puzzled, 
but drive on until we reach a point where two 
main roads cross. We stop a moment. To 
drive ahead would be too far we think. To 
turn to the left might mean to come back. 
We finally turn to the right and find the 
city just a mile over the hill, which had ob- 
structed our view for several miles. When 
mistakes are made, if we come back and 
turn to the right we will surely meet in the 
city where the lights are sinning for us be- 
yond. 

October 19, 1917. 



23 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Twenty-Third Sketch. 

As usual when returning from California, 
the first day we select those with whom we 
would visit the second day, while on the 
third day we say goodbye. On our return 
trip a year ago, we were visiting an elderly 
gentleman through the mountains, when 
suddenly bits of scenery or something re- 
minded us of another day. Apparently we 
were a good listener, but our thoughts were 
beyond, as we were thinking of one who 
knows us best, but as he was telling of his 
many interests, including a sugar mill at 
Garden City, where he would stop next morn- 
ing and take a later train to Colorado 
Springs. We were reminded "seventeen 
years ago," we said, "on this same trip we 
were visiting with a gentleman from Pasa- 
dena, who was interested in the First Na- 
tional Bank of Colorado Springs. You may 
know him." "Yes," he said, smiling, "that 

was Mr. . I was president of the 

bank and he was my cashier at that time." 

October 26, 1917. 



27 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Twenty-Fourth Sketch. 



Through suggestion of scenery, words or 
music our thoughts go to this or to that, to 
friend or foe, to loved ones or to the one 
most dear. Were it not so this would in- 
deed be a lonely world. Was it mother with 
whom we were visiting for three days, then 
said our last and final goodbye? Was it 
of her or another we were thinking while 
traveling through the mountains? Matters 
not. "Behold thy mother," are words spok- 
en under most trying circumstances by one 
who, on the third day, rose again. "What- 
soever he saith unto you, do it," are words of 
a mother who knew the very secret and pur- 
pose of her Son. Follow the advice of the 
mother and the teachings of the Son and the 
world is set in motion. So are we. When 
love prompts the sacrifice of self for others, 
it is perfect, beautiful and shall ever com- 
fort, bless and cheer us until we meet again. 

November 2, 1917. 



28 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Twenty-Fifth Sketch. 



"When you don't know what to do don't do 
anything," are words of Bishop McDowell, 
spoken at a time when we were undecided in 
reference to the improvement of the Grand 
Avenue M. E. Church property, "The time 
will come when you do know, then go do it," 
he continued. We followed the advice of the 
bishop, seeking wisdom and leadership of the 
one we would always honor. Soon we had 
positive assurance, knew what to do and did 
it, which resulted in a twelve-story office 
building and church at Ninth and Grand Ave- 
nue. Although this was our first building 
experience, there was no time during the fi- 
nancing or construction that we did not 
know what to do. The success of the enter- 
prise is assured, the purpose for which it 
was done has not been questioned. Follow 
the suggestions of the bishop, the leadership 
of the Master and when in the city meet me 

at the church. 

November 9, 1917. 



29 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Twenty-Sixth Sketch. 



On our first trip West we innocently called 
attention to an approaching storm, but in- 
stead of clouds it was only the mountains 
we saw in the distance. The fascinating 
scenery held our attention. Even while 
crossing the desert our thoughts go back 
to the hills through which we had passed, 
but as we cross another range we catch a 
new vision, a strange breeze inspiring a new 
hope, to see the ocean which is restlessly 
waiting for us beyond. War clouds and 
others may appear dark and threatening, 
our hopes almost shattered and gone, but 
when the light is on somewhere back of the 
clouds in the hills amid scenery set for the 
brave and the true, at an unexpected mo- 
ment, we catch a new vision, a strange sen- 
sation, inspiring a new hope for a happy 
future which awaits us beyond. In the 
meantime, we are happy in our thoughts of 
those who are with us in heart and spirit. 

November 16, 1917. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Twenty-Seventh Sketch. 

We are now in Frisco, and after sight- 
seeing, we call on the Missouri Pacific agent, 
whose kindness is not forgotten. Although 
we were strangers, he left nothing undone 
to give us a good time, even furnishing 
steamship transportation to Los Angeles and 
return, account of his road. At first we 
could not understand his interest or detect 
the source of his knowledge of us, but when 
he inquired about the commercial agent at 
Kansas City, we were reminded. "Mr. 
Agent," we said, "used to have a private 
secretary, a beautiful young lady, whose 
many kind words and smiles won the friend- 
ship of all who knew her. We often told 
her if the right man ever came along she 
would not last ten minutes." "That girl," 
he interrupted, with face reflecting his joy, 
"is my wife, but it only took a glance and 
we were as one." Somewhere back of the 
clouds, at an unexpected moment, they found 
their mate, God knows when, where and 
why. 

November 23, 1917. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Twenty-Eighth Sketch. 

Still waters may run de^.p, but the ocean 
is not still. In fact, our trip from Los An- 
geles to Frisco was on a high sea. Our boat 
rocked and pitched, groaned and creaked, 
as she went down and up over the immense 
waves which swept her decks. But thank 
goodness we stop at Port Harford to load 
grain. While there, a great whale appears 
which at times would raise high above the 
surface, then go down, spouting water sixty 
feet up, repeating the stunt several times, 
until he disappeared into the still waters 
beneath. Did he see us and become fright- 
ened, or was he looking for another Jonah? 
Matters not. Life, like the ocean, may at 
times appear rough, yet beneath the surface 
are a host of friends, including our loved 
ones, who, in some fashion are mingling with 
the dearest Friend we have. One whose in- 
visible presence is beautifying lives and 
cheering hearts of those at a distance. 

November 30, 1917. 



Z2 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Twexty-Nixth Sketch. 

Our vision of the mountains and the fasci- 
nating waters of the ocean, like some peo- 
ple, are an inspiration, and we see beauty in 
the rough. Even the desert, which at first 
did not appeal to us, is now reminding us 
of a true friend. In a sense, each must be 
cultivated — one watered and the other loved 
— to get the good in store for us. In honor 
of friendship, we dedicate ''Hidden Glory." 

"When studying God, man and nature, the 
what is and the what is not, the good and 
not the bad, it is then I see the glory — 
God's glory — and as I study them, whose 
they are and why, then my heart is made 
glad and my soul to sing — the beauty seems 
within. 

"Sing on, then, sing on! The love lights 
though were dim are now shinning gifts of 
Him. Sing on, sing on ! My child, 'tis true, 
this hidden glory is for me and for you." 

December 7, 1917. 



33 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Thirtieth Sketch. 

Through kindness, sympathy and appre- 
ciation friendships are formed, but it takes a 
mightier force to withstand the refining 
tests of patience. All life, social, religious 
and business, like children, are subject to 
a smart age, during which period patience 
and kindness put a child in a position to 
see its own foolishness, and is the making of 
the child. The same is true of man. There 
is a constructive period when through pa- 
tience of others he sees his own foolishness, 
after which he never tires of his praises 
of those whose kindness and sympathy ever 
remind him of One, who, in the quiet hours 
of a night, leads him by the still waters to 
show him a glimpse of the future, the re- 
flections of which are revealing the here- 
tofore unseen beauty of the past. In other 
words, the invisible is made visible by One 
whose enduring patience and love will keep 
our friendships pure and true. 

December 14, 1917. 



34 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Thirty-First Sketch. 



The wise men of the East had a desire to 
see Jesus and made many inquiries con- 
cerning the Babe (they were lead by a star) . 
* * * Humanity, today, as then, would 
see Jesus and is making many inquiries con- 
cerning Him, Who will be the star to lead 
them? We leave that with you. * * * 
This is Christmas time and as you remem- 
ber the children, loved ones and friends, and 
should happen to think of me, then we can 
review the story of the Twenty-fifth togeth- 
er. The Baby— the Boy— the Man. The 
Baby, the beginning of our devotion and wor- 
ship; the Boy, at the front, about His Fa- 
ther's business; the Man, the leader of the 
world. A beautiful story leading us to God, 
and as we remember our gift of self to Him, 
we get a glimpse of His glory, and see Him 
as He really is. This is our Christmas story 
and my Christmas wish for you. 

December 21, 1917. 



£5 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Thirty-Second Sketch. 

"To become an expert at forgetting; just 
to forget all the unkind acts, the deep 
wrongs, the mean words, the bitter disap- 
pointments, just let them go; forget them 
— the memory will become quick and 
alert to remember the things worth 
remembering, the mind given to beautiful 
things, worth-while things, and to remember 
always that I am in the presence of God, this 
is my desire for the New Year." 

"God gives us always strength enough 
and sense enough for what He wants us to 
do ; if we either tire ourselves or puzzle our- 
selves, it is our own fault. And we may 
always be sure, whatever we are doing, that 
we cannot be pleasing Him if we are not 
happy ourselves." 

Some may become expert at forgetting, 
but the closer one gets to God, the more one 
will see their own imperfections. We covet 
to be like Him, who has cleared the record 
and remembers it no more. 

January 4, 1918. 



36 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Thirty-Third Sketch. 



By the finding of two pieces of ore, which 
when placed together formed a perfect unit, 
we named our story "The Broken Unit," and 
were also taught "where there is one there 
is always another." By mixing the correct 
proportion of certain feeds there was dis- 
covered a balanced ration, producing most 
satisfactory results. From this we conceived 
the idea that to mix the business, social and 
religious life in correct proportions would 
also produce satisfactory results, and our 
readers would have something entirely dif- 
ferent. Therefore our sketches are but the 
experiences of man, tinged with humor, ad- 
venture and romance, set around a central 
figure, in a fashion to lead our thoughts 
heavenward. This practical view of life de- 
velops new thoughts, new experiences and 
is a most interesting study and as we study 
the beautiful side of life, we somehow at 
unexpected moments catch a new vision of 
beauty in what appeared rough. All honor 
to whatever the source of our inspiration. 

January 11, 1918. 



37 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Thirty-Fourth Sketch. 

At the hotel where we reside are a bunch 
of young folks, both married and single, so 
we do not lack for entertainment. Life is 
a study, off-hand remarks amusing. Be this 
as it may, the other evening as we were 
strolling toward a couple seated among the 
lobby shrubbery: "Won't you join us?" they 
asked. "Delighted," we said, "but we fear 
you will be disappointed." "Why?" they 
wanted to know. "Because of the legal 
phase." They did not get our meaning. 
However, as we were telling of our deep re- 
grets in not being a preacher, they both 
caught at once, glanced at us, then looked at 
each other. What they saw, we know not, 
but a few evenings later one whispered to 
us: "That was quite apropos." The other 
told us: "I think you started something." 
* * * God's joinings are always harmon- 
ious. Friends thus favored are a joy, re- 
flecting God's richness and their happiness 
to others. 

January 18, 1918. 



38 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Thirty-Fifth Sketch. 



In the hearts, lives and thoughts of others, 
man creates a place for himself. Some who 
are stingy, selfish or over critical, have a 
smaller place than those who are more con- 
siderate and generous, while others with 
their kindness and sympathy, their apprecia- 
tion and child-like simplicity, are an inspira- 
tion and have a permanent place, not only 
in the heart and thought of man, but also 
in the social and business life. We covet 
to be like those who, with their finer quali- 
ties, continually beautify the lives and 
thoughts of others. Don't you? 

Then remember, no one suit of clothes will 
fit both the fat and the lean — that we can- 
not successfully fill any other place than 
our own, and that the kind of a place we have 
depends on us, that you already have a place 
with us, and that we would never be satis- 
fied if we could not retain at least a small, 
yet permanent, place with you. 

January 25, 1918. 



39 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Thirty-Sixth Sketch. 



"A faithful friend is a strong defense ; who 
so findeth such one findeth a notable treas- 
ure." We know of nothing more apprecia- 
tive or sympathetic, unselfish or interesting, 
nor is there anything more rich and rare in 
its beauty, or more child-like and pure in 
its devotion, than a true friendship. It 
loves not for that which it may receive, but 
for that which it may give. It comes to man 
as a gift, it cheers by day and serves by 
night. It is rich in contentment, satisfying 
in effect, radiant and transparent in beauty. 
All of which are but the reflections of Him 
who prompted the gift, the One who came 
not to be ministered unto, but to minister. 
When we so accept and guard true friend- 
ship, holding it as sacred, it will not only 
minister unto us, but will also grow in rich- 
ness. Besides its beauty will attract a host 
of friends to a higher sense of knowledge of 

the one who doeth all things well. 

February 1, 1918. 



40 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Thirty-Seventh Sketch. 



True friendship is a positive force, its 
quiet richness penetrates the soul, inspiring 
confidence and knowledge, and harmonizing 
thought and action in a manner to produce 
results beyond our expectations. Had we the 
gift of language and were we to devote all 
our time developing the invisible riches of 
friendship, we could not do so because the 
source from which it comes is unlimited in 
resources and its treasures of richness are 
beyond description. Such a friendship may 
be likened unto that of Jonathan and David 
and will remain true unto death. It has with- 
stood the refining tests of patience and sac- 
rifice through which its love was made pure 
and is perfect. If there is anything more 
honorable and rich in devotion or rare in 
its beauty for you and for me, than a true 
friendship, we know not what it is. May its 
virtues be our joy, its love our sacrifice and 
its power our force and its resources our 
success. 

February 8. 1918. 



41 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Thirty-Eighth Sketch. 

We have now had a glimpse of friendship 
and for a week we have endeavored in our 
thoughts to gather up its fragments of 
beauty. Only to find it so increased in rich- 
ness and ourselves utterly incompetent for 
the task, we therefore leave that with you. 
We are more interested in retaining its vir- 
tues, in keeping it pure and ourselves worthy 
of its ministry. Truly, a faithful friend is 
a notable treasure and true friendship an 
inspiration. But to keep it pure, we must 
overcome selfishness, must use it for a high 
and noble purpose. Otherwise, it cannot ex- 
ist or at least remain true. Selfishness re- 
tards its growth and chokes its virtues, the 
same as weeds a crop of grain. This means 
a continuous fight against the evil if we 
would reap a harvest of well matured grain 
or a harvest of faithful friends. Our 
thoughts of them and a friendship true, 
bring thoughts of Him who gave it to me 
and to you. 

February 15, 1918. 



42 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Thirty-Ninth Sketch. 

Listen, someone is singing — the sound in- 
dicates the front vestibule of our coach. 
The clucking noise of our train and the voice 
of the singer seems in perfect tune with the 
responsive cords of our nature and we feel 
ourselves drawn by its harmony. But in- 
stead of the front, we find the singers in 
the rear vestibule. 

This incident but faintly describes friend- 
ship. We feel ourselves drawn by its silent 
hoverings, but cannot always locate its 
source. 

However, through another incident and 
the submission of a boy, we have learned 
how to maintain its beauties, increase its 
richness and guard its values. This boy 
gave Jesus his five loaves and two fishes. 
Jesus blessed and served while God gave the 
increase. Give your friendship to the Mas- 
ter, ask Him to bless and keep it pure and 
God will increase it to the joy of those long- 
ing for its ministry and you and I may 
gather fragments enough to beautify the 

world. 

February 22, 1918. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Fortieth Sketch. 



The boy referred to last week evidently- 
found a faithful friend, one in whom he be- 
lieved and could trust, so he gave all he 
had to Jesus. How long" he had known 
Jesus matters not — it was love and faith 
which prompted the gift. Jesus, of course, 
knew its basis, so He guarded the trust by- 
asking God to increase the gift. You know 
what happened. If we use the same princi- 
pal now, we are sure the much longed-for 
friendship will increase beyond our hope of 
gathering its fragments. Nothing develops 
the best in man more than the faith and trust 
of his friends, and a faithful friend will 
guard and hold sacred the trust and may 
in turn give or offer to give his all to his 
friend. This is a friendship worth while. 
May God ever bless and increase its min- 
istry of love and may its beauties always 
draw our thoughts to a faithful friend, and 

to Him who gave us friendship. 

March 1, 1918. 



44 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Forty-First Sketch. 

Many are saying goodbye, are giving their 
loved ones and friends, while our boys are 
giving their all. There is something about 
the last goodbye to inspire faith, confidence 
of victory and a hope of meeting again. It 
establishes a friendship to draw us even 
closer and to do our best at home and at the 
front. Yes, we admit longing for our loved 
ones and friends but are soon cheered by the 
many kind words of the Master. By this 
and the presence of His Spirit we know He 
is with us. We accept Him as our Leader, 
have adopted His principles and are fighting 
for His cause. It is therefore up to God. 
Germany, listen, what are you fighting for? 
If for a selfish leader or for a selfish pur- 
pose then may God pity her people. God 
bless our gifts, may the increase satisfy the 
world, and may even Germany gather of 
the fragments. 

March 8, 1918. 



45 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Forty-Second Sketch. 

True friendship inspires faith and a hope 
of meeting again. It cheers at the front, at 
the desk and in the home, reminding us of a 
faithful friend, also our Leader. The kind- 
ness and sympathy of one is ministering 
through the spirit of the other. Though ill- 
ness overtakes us and our hopes give way to 
memories and we feel ourselves slipping away 
we may still be happy in our thoughts of 
the One whose friendship is ever reminding 
us of the other. So it must be friendship 
which leads our boys to give their all and 
to make the supreme sacrifice for us and 
the Master. No doubt, as they slip, they 
hear words, "Well done/' and go smiling as 
they enter into the joy of our Lord. Thus 
many will slip away, but the good in them 
and in us will increase to the overpowering 
of the bad, and may the devil who created 

ruthlessness be chained in — for ever. 

March 15, 1918. 



46 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Forty-Third Sketch. 

"If thou hadst been here, my brother had 
not died," are words of Mary and Martha to 
Jesus, who said: "Thy brother shall rise 
again." Love, faith and hope were the basis 
of this beautiful friendship. Death was per- 
mitted that the glory of God might be re- 
vealed. You know the story and how He 
loves those who put their trust and faith in 
Him. It is His Spirit dominating our war 
leaders and our boys to give their all to the 
cause of liberty. But what about the other 
side? From whence comes this spirit of 
hate, selfishness and the unspeakable 
wrongs. Surely this must be the works of 
the devil — so it is the good against the bad. 
We, therefore, fight for that which we know 
to be for the cause of Him who was sent to 
be our leader. Thus friendship is re-estab- 
lished, love is made perfect, and God is be- 
ing honored. 

March 22, 1918. 



47 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Forty-Fourth Sketch. 

Jesus came to establish friendship between 
God and man, and to do so both the human 
and the divine l;ouch were necessary. Thus 
we never think of a faithful friend that we 
do not think of Him, nor do we forget our 
experience with each. At first, we could not 
dispel or understand that invisible some- 
thing which seemed to hold us by day 
and by night until we accepted it as a 
training for service. Thus friendship was 
established and through charity we love 
God for Himself and our friends for 
Him. Thus we have inherited friend- 
ship to be used to the honor and glory 
of both God and man. Though losses, sep- 
arations and discouragements may come, we 
have a hope to cheer us and a Friend to lead 
us and though we may fall by the way we 
shall rise again. Thus we are cheered at 
home and at the front, even our sacrifices 
are a joy because they were made for both 

the human and the divine. 

March 29, 1918. 



4 8 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Forty-Fifth Sketch. 

We are frequently asked: "Who does your 
writing? How do you find time to write? 
etc." Truly, we have been over busy for 
five weeks, due to illness and absence of our 
salesman, therefore, to write at all, we must 
do so of a morning 1 before reaching our 
office, and even now, as we write that in- 
visible something hovers about us in a man- 
ner to lead our thoughts to our friend, our 
Leader and our God, from whom comes the 
message. A friendship thus leading our 
thought heavenward is true, beautiful, and 
shall last as long as life is. Were our friends 
and readers all in one company, and were 
we permitted to address them, surely the 
Master would lead our thoughts heavenward. 
Yah, we would also include Germans who 
accept and fight for our unselfish leader, 
but should the bunch, German like spell yah 
backwards, then we would honor God smil- 
ing, while He, through friendship, leads us 
on to victory. 

April 5, 1918. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Forty-Sixth Sketch. 



By our fruits we are known, and by our 
friendships we are judged, but not all fruit 
is good, nor is all friendship true, but each 
may be improved by cultivation. There are 
stages through which fruit must pass to per- 
fect its usefulness. The same is true of 
friendship — so there is much depending on 
the friend, but who IS the friend ? A friend 
is one to whom man reveals his inner self. 
We agree such revelations are often used for 
a selfish purpose, prove untrue and lead one 
from all that is good. However, we find an- 
other — a faithful friend — one who ponders 
the revelation of man, who holds sacred the 
trust, and through Christ-like sympathy and 
kindness is leading him into the very pres- 
ence of God. Here are two almost irresis- 
tible friendships — one leading to the bad, the 
other to the good. One is soon forgotten, 
while the other shall live forever in the heart 
and thought of man. 

April 12, 1918. 



50 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Forty-Seventh Sketch. 



For three years, regardless of opposition, 
Jesus went about doing good. Grieved by 
the enemy, and pressed by the multitudes, so 
for a needed rest, he seeks seclusion. He had 
found a few faithful friends, and takes with 
him, Peter, James and John. And as they 
were climbing, he reveals himself to them. 
As they are nearing the summit, he is trans- 
figured in their very presence, and they 
hear a voice out of the clouds, saying: "This 
is my beloved Son, hear ye Him." Then as 
they descend, Jesus requested them not to 
tell what they saw till after he had risen. 
Of course, they talked it over among them- 
selves, and while at first they took a more 
selfish view, in this they were no different 
than we. But afterwards were prompted to 
accept it as a training for the Master's serv- 
ice. When we so accept our experiences, 
then we begin to realize what a faithful 
friend must have meant to Jesus — also to us. 

April 26, 1918. 



51 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Forty-Eighth Sketch. 

Those who are sincere and honest in pur- 
pose, positive and courageous in action, reach 
the highest degree of success, but they gen- 
erally lose their earlier friends through jeal- 
ousy. Jealousy breeds contempt, misinter- 
pretations, unjust criticisms, brought about 
by selfishness, all of which must be over- 
come before success is attained, but they 
cannot do so alone, help must come from 
some source, and in absence of earlier friends 
they may draw strength and inspiration from 
the children, until such a time as God may 
provide friendship, the greatest gift to man. 
A faithful friend is only a mortal picture and 
state of being made and ordained of God, rep- 
resenting that high and close friendship and 
comradeship which exists between God and 
man. In friendship is all the love of one be- 
ing for another, the faith and hope which 
inspires one to do and act to attain the high- 
est pinnacle of success in order to merit such 

confidence, one in another. 

May 3, 1918. 



52 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Forty-Ninth Sketch. 

When the rich young Ruler asked what he 
should do to inherit Eternal Life, he was 
told to follow the Commandments; when he 
said: "All these things I have kept from 
my youth." Jesus said: "One thing thou 
lackest, go sell what thou hast, give to the 
poor, and come and follow me." This young 
man, as many of us, lacked courage of his 
convictions, was grieved and sorrowful; he 
lacked confidence and could not leave his 
all— so dear to him — even in trust. A call 
to service today, as then, brings many ex- 
cuses; each meaning "me first." However, 
"me first" is the song of the Kaiser and out 
of harmony with the Commandments. The 
giving of all — in trust — means receiving in 
like manner, bringing to us health, wealth 
and friends, meaning, as the Master said, 
"The first shall be last, and the last shall 
be first," and that we may go about as one 

who serves like "our boys at the front." 

May 10, 1918. 



53 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Fiftieth Sketch. 

Through the kindness of Captain W. R. 
Simmie, Medical Corps, we secured Captain 
A. W. Deacon, Medical Corps, for an address 
at the Grand Avenue Temple, Sunday morn- 
ing, May 19. These Canadians enlisted in 
1914 with the! Fourth Canadian Mounted 
Rifles. Each leading his men through the 
trenches and "over the top," was many times 
wounded and under hospital care, each win- 
ning for himself the Military Cross and be- 
ing decorated by His Majesty, King George 
V. It is indeed a pleasure to introduce these 
men who have also won for themselves our 
admiration, sympathy and friendship. It is 
remarkable after what they have endured for 
both to meet with us the same day. It is 
also interesting to Jmow Captain Deacon 
prefers talking on the "bright side of the 
war." Their story, their earnestness and 
their "giving of all" somehow draws us to 
them, to our boys, loved ones and friends, 
whose friendship is leading us to the One 
with whom we leave our all in trust. 

May 17, 1918. 



51 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Fifty-Fikst Sketch. 



Our pastor, the popular Grand Avenue 
Temple preacher, had a narrow escape. The 
church gave Dr. Gray six months' leave to 
serve with the boys "over there"; he was 
on the British Steamer Orissa when she was 
torpedoed, April 28, sinking" twelve minutes 
later. Dr. Gray was on the last lifeboat to 
leave the ship; a tangled rope added sus- 
pense; moments seemed like hours, and they 
were only a short distance away when the 
steamer went down. Dr. Gray was with 
the chef, drinking a cup of coffee, when the 
boat was hit; he was fully dressed, there- 
fore, saved his passports, money and trunk 
key. They were indeed fortunate to get 
away at all, and we rejoice with them. Suc- 
cess depends on knowing the ropes. How- 
ever, entanglements must be avoided, other- 
wise one might be drawn to destruction by 
the material side of life. Knowing Dr. Gray 
so well, we are sure he had a trunk made to 

fit the key, instead 

Mav 24, 1918. 



55 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Fifty-Second Sketch. 



"We were torpedoed, but it takes more 
than a Hun to get a Methodist preacher. 
With love, Gray." Hate is the opposite of 
love, belongs to the Hun and must be guard- 
ed or the Hun will get us with hate. During 
Passion Week, as now, love, sympathy and 
service meant much to Jesus. His human 
touch, divine and sympathetic nature at- 
tracted sinners, and they were drawn to 
Him, while their sympathy, love and kind- 
ness also touched the heart of the Master. 
He dearly loved the young man who kneeled 
at his feet; also the woman who annointed 
Him and wiped His feet with her hair. We, 
like the Master, naturally love those who, 
through kindness, sympathy and apprecia- 
tion touch our hearts. Jesus called them his 
friends. So do we. They were His comfort 
and are our joy, bringing cheer to troubled 
hearts, and we rejoice with Him and with 
you for a friendship so dear to all. 

May 31, 1918. 



56 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Fifty-Third Sketch. 

In the long ago, a couple were left stand- 
ing alone; a deep sorrow was turned to joy, 
and the harmful gossip is now sleeping in 
the past. While those who were told to cast 
the first stone, were convicted of sin, disap- 
peared, leaving them alone. We see them 
standing face to face, one expressing peni- 
tence, the other kindness and sympathy. We 
cannot see the tears or hear the sobs as he 
spoke to her the kindest words ever uttered 
— setting her free. This supreme moment 
was the turning point governing her future 
thoughts and deeds. The lavish use of the 
ointment indicates her sincere love for, and 
her devotion to, Him, who said: "Let her 
alone." Should this beautiful story take you 
back to another moment, governing your 
thoughts and acts, and should you be 
prompted to a greater sacrifice, a purer love, 
and a richer devotion, then you will be hon- 
oring Him; also the one you love, and your 
own story will grow richer as the years go 
by. 

June 7, 1918. 



57 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Fifty-Fourth Sketch. 

Last Saturday a preacher friend phoned 
us, saying a committee from Shawnee, Kan- 
sas, was looking for a man to address their 
Fifty-Fifth Sunday School Anniversary at 
Shawnee, next Sunday night, June 16. "I 
told them," he said, "to get you, that you 
could furnish pep and punch enough to carry 
the work on for another fifty years." The 
committee of course called and we accepted, 
with the understanding that on their 
One-hundred and Tenth Anniversary they 
were to look for someone else, that We had 
aviation inclinations and by that time would, 
no doubt, be afloat and would probably not 
want to come down. It is remarkable that 
two of the founders of this Sunday School 
are still there and in active service, and 
equally remarkable that we should be se- 
lected to make the address. We, indeed, 
feel highly honored, and shall think of you; 
have a good time, but what if the bunch 
should spell yah backwards? 

June 14, 1918. 



58 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Fifty-Fifth Sketch. 



The old Shawnee Church, the splendid 
music, and the fascinating people were our 
inspiration, and the clever introduction our 
amusement. There was something about it 
to remind us of a little barefoot boy sitting 
with his mother in an old church many 
years ago, where the Dunkards would rreet 
each Sunday with a kiss — that is, the men 
kissed the men, and the women kissed the 
women. (No one asked why we were not a 
Dunkard. They seemed to understtand bet- 
ter than we could tell.) A glimpse at this 
boy's life might indicate that possibly he did 
not get over it right, or that the secret 
of his success is not to let people know him 
too well. Be this as it may, our efforts to 
show the boy his important part of a great 
plan and our using his surplus energy in 
honor of Him who pronounced it all good 
seemed to capture the bunch and we were in- 
vited for a later date. 

June 21, 1918. 



59 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Fifty-Sixth Sketch. 

We can always talk better, think, work 
or write better when we know people like us, 
and we can always tell whether children like 
us by the way they grin. Thus by smiles 
and otherwise we were assured, which made 
it easy for our club to entertain the Inter- 
national Association of Rotary Clubs in Con- 
vention here this week. The serving of five 
thousand at a bean supper at one sitting 
with our Rotarians donned in white aprons, 
showed a spirit of service and that we were 
equal to the occasion and the smiles and kind 
words of our visitors convinced us that we 
served well. Among the many good things 
to come to us was a little booklet entitled, 
"A Thin Volume," by J. R. Perkins of Akron, 
Ohio, dedicated to "Men in Rotary and Out." 
This story prompts one to find himself, to 
serve without thought of profit, to remember 
and not forget. "He who profits most 

serves best." 

June 28, 1918. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Fifty-Seventh Sketch. 



Dr. E. Leslie Pigeon's address drew many 
Rotarians to Grand Avenue Temple, which 
had previously set this date for their "Dol- 
lar Day." So to relieve embarrassment, to 
get dollars and welcome visitors we were 
introduced, saying: "We are indeed honored 
to have with us so many visiting and home 
Rotarians. The Rotary spirit always makes 
me feel at home in their presence. Our 
Church, as some of you know, dedicated its 
evening services to the Government, and its 
minister to France for six months, necessi- 
tating this offering. Sign the "Dollar" en- 
velope and your name will appear on our 
"Dollar Roll." Remember you are always 
welcome to have a part with us. We, of 
course, do not ask visiting Rotarians to join 
us in this. However, we have not the heart 
to refuse, especially those we love so well." 
The good cheer and offering which followed 
indicated : "It does not matter where one may 
build his altar — just so the offering ascends 
to God." 

July 5, 1918. 



61 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Fifty-Eighth Sketch. 

Who opened the door for love to enter, 

a heart to bless and a soul to cheer? Who 

set in motion, hidden resources so rich and 

rare and true? Was it one with eyes of 

brown, or was it one with eyes of blue? 

Each seemed to smile at me and both smiled 

at you. Who turned the key for one to enter 

and barred the door to the other? Who 

touched the heart, harmonizing thoughts and 

deeds to the comfort and joy of those in 

need? Was that somebody you? Who 

turned the shaft and set in motion the 

wheels, to rotate the, spirit the world 

around? God did it. Then get in line — 

ethics have changed the business in keeping 

with the times ; catch the spirit of Rotary — 

pass it on, serving with a smile, without 

thought of profit, and you will have touched 

the heart of hearts. But don't forget the 

courteous smile, which opens the door for 

love Divine. 

July 12, 1918. 



62 



THE BROKEN UNIT. 



Fifty-Ninth Sketch. 



Rotary — A positive magnetic force, con- 
sisting of many wheels, each an individual 
power plant, with cogs to mesh those of an- 
other. The wheels are carefully selected, 
one from each vocation, representing the 
material and the Divine. After a thorough 
inspection, a rigid test, the wheels are 
placed, with cogs in mesh, so when one turns 
the other must go. Thus they all work to- 
gether, gathering power as they go, to send 
the message to those of his own line. Who 
set the wheels in motion, to mix and blend 
the forces? Who touched the heart, to im- 
prove the service and message, and set in mo- 
tion the spirit the world around? What 
makes it positive, kind and true, yet dynamic 
in nature, producing a "win-the-war" spirit, 
and over-the-top pep, and, best of all, that 
"Yankee Doodle stuff" our boys like so well 
— a "blow-hell-out-of-the-Kaiser" punch ? 
God did it! 

July 19, 1918. 



63 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Sixtieth Sketch. 



The human touch inspired by the Divine 

has set the wheels in motion, humming as 

they go, producing a spirited pep and a 

forceful, yet quieting goodbye-Kaiser punch. 

We just received a letter from a mother in 

Waterloo, Iowa, addressed to our church; 

she had a letter from our minister, who is 

serving in France, and in absence of his 

address she writes to congratulate the church 

and to thank the minister for stopping long 

enough in his work to write, advising her 

that her boy is all right, well and eagerly 

looking forward to doing his part in the 

great conflict. "You have no idea/' she 

writes, "what a comfort that letter is to a 

lonely mother, whose only boy has been gone 

for over a year. Can you imagine what a 

help it has been?" Though the Hun is on 

the run, remember and don't forget the sweet 

little courtesies which open the door for Love 

to enter. 

July 26, 1918. 



64 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Sixty-First Sketch. 



The Pride of America — a joy to the world 
— its force is quieting the Hun, giving the 
Kaiser a strange sensation and for once in 
his life is probably causing him to think 
along different lines. Several years ago we 
took much delight in joking and teasing 
young men, among whom was one German 
born. This German lad did not know how to 
take a joke, would become angry and invar- 
iably tell us to "come to ." This phrase 

created much amusement. However, in 
those days we did not think he meant Ger- 
many, nor did we take him literally, but fin- 
ally had him thinking along different lines. 
In the meantime, our well-balanced, quick- 
thinking, impulsive boys seem to act without 
reflection or thought of self. We, too, must 
pay the price, so the peoples of the earth 
may find peace and think along different 
lines to the honor and glory of Him who is 
leading us on to victory. 

August 2, 1918. 



65 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Sixty-Second Sketch. 



Those who are honest in purpose, sincere 
and in earnest always appeal to us, and we 
somehow feel ourselves drawn to them. In 
the long ago, a young man of this type 
got permissiion to persecute those he thought 
were enemies of his rulers, his church and 
his. God. In this he was sincere and ready 
to sacrifice, if necessary, his life. However, 
when God called, "Saul, Saul, why perse- 
cutest thou me," his eyes were opened, and 
he saw the selfishness of his rulers. So 
from that time on he fought the evil within 
his own people. Should the German people 
come to themselves and see the wickedness 
and deception of their rulers and suddenly 
turn face about, as did Paul, we are sure 
the Kaiser and his clique would not last as 

long as a snowball in . Meantime our 

thoughts, our sympathies and our prayers 
go to the boys, and to those whose sacrifices 
will bring peace to all peoples. 

August 9, 1918, 



66 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Sixty-Third Sketch. 



Smile and others smile ; cheer and you are 
cheered. Just this week, while drinking at 
a fountain opposite an open office door, we 
were attracted by a sudden stillness, the 
typewriter stopped as though in the middle 
of a sentence; the operator, a young lady 
whose rigid profile pose was seriously star- 
ing into space unconscious of her surround- 
ings. We, also others, were sympathetic- 
ally held by the scene; her far-away look 
expressing tension of the front line trenches ; 
a minute or two seemed like ten. Presently 
the pose relaxed, her expression softened and 
with a smile she turned her head in our di- 
rection. Were your thoughts in France, we 
inquired. She smilingly nodded her answer, 
"Yes." We do not know the young lady, but 
we do know those whom God hath joined. 
He also provided means of communication 
and interchange of thought, regardless of 
distance. Then commit yourself, your sac- 
rifice and your offering to Him who said: 
'Tear not, for I am with you always." 

August 16, 1918. 

67 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Sixty-Fourth Sketch. 



We were at the station. A handsome, com- 
manding young man was leaving for Camp 
Pike. After telling us goodbye, he turned 
to his brave little wife and his weeping 
mother, soon to tear himself away, while he 
was waving his final goodbye we felt our- 
selves drawn to them by a sympathetic 
silence, while their hearts were drawn after 
him who was slipping away. The wife was 
tenderly assisted by her father, the mother 
by a brother, turned away empty. Surely 
none can appreciate, nor can they know just 
how much a friend or a loved one means to 
them, unless they, too, experience the effect 
of a separation. Yes, " Where there's one, 
there's always another," even the "Return 
from Calvary." Those who turned away 
empty, were tenderly assisted, while those 
who could, looked back, to see the storm 
clouds parting, the light of a new world 
dawning and a Star of Hope shinning 
through the crest of the clouds for you and 

for me. 

August 23, 1918. 



68 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Sixty-Fifth Sketch. 



We never pass the station that we do not 
think of a friend, a meeting or a separation. 
The other day we saw an officer of high 
rank standing as at attention. Presently we 
saw several colored soldiers approaching 
from around a corner. They saw the of- 
ficer, nudged each other, fell in line and 
marched to him, halting with a snappy sa- 
lute. The officer returned the salute, then 
with a smile shook hands with the boys who 
were ready to fight for him. As we look 
back through the mist of time, by the part- 
ing of the storm clouds we see three crosses, 
indicating the long ago atrocities. Our sym- 
pathies go to the penetant one, who saluted 
and was accepted by our leader. This one 
represents the Allied Nations, while the one 
who denied his Lord represents those com- 
mitting atrocities, the evil of which we must 
fight. We, like the colored soldiers, fight, 
sacrifice and die, if need be, for the One 

who has recognized us. 

August 30, 1918. 



69 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Sixty-Sixth Sketch. 



The other day we were asked why we did 
not write a story on aviation. We expressed 
a fear that our readers would be "in the air." 
"They are already in the air." True, it is 
our nature, our joy and our comfort to see 
the beauty in life, especially so, the last 
fr^v years, since our more mature thoughts 
go to its source. In our boyhood days and 
until recent years we would often dream of 
being in a large crowd and with outstretched 
arms would rise and float up over trees and 
buildings, then make a dive to again soar 
away into space. The quiet, easy manner 
in which we maneuvered in the air and the 
many repetitions of this dream, even now, 
make it seem as real to us. A realization of 
this dream, together with a perfected "joy- 
plane," we would indeed be glad to take our 
friends for an airing. We wonder, would you. 

be ready then to go? 

September 6, 1918. 



70 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Sixty-Seventh Sketch. 



We, like some of our readers, find our- 
selves more interested in aviators than in 
aviation. Yes, we understand — demond for 
stories, also how some readers might be "in 
the air." A " joy-plane" should be equipped 
with a gauge to glide at any desired height 
without attention, except to reach a higher 
or lower level. As we ascend and look down, 
we only see the big things in life — the lit- 
tle petty annoying things are invisible. The 
same is true of those who reach the higher 
level in their respective vocations — business, 
social or religious. In fact, the little an- 
noying things must be overlooked in order 
to reach the higher level. Surely, no one 
can mean quite as much, nor is there one 
who soars quite as high in this life as the 
boy in the air service, or the boy at the 
front, who commits himself to God and give? 
his all for you and for me, as he goes "over 

the top." 

September 13, 1918 



71 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Sixty-Eighth Sketch. 

For some time we were gliding along, fol- 
lowing closely the surface of the earth. How- 
ever, at that time we were not so much in- 
terested in panoramic visions, or latitudes, 
as we were in a "joy-plane, " whose magnetic 
force seemed to grip the soul, suddenly to 
experience a touch of power to rise to higher 
levels. We are now on the ten thousand- 
foot level, our glasses focused on a lone 
plane, whose pilot we recognize as one of our 
own Sunday School boys, the type who al- 
ways kept us "in the air," now an aviator 
spy, making many trips to Germany. Pres- 
ently, as though coming out of the clouds, 
six enemy planes make a dive for him. We 
see smoke, hear shots and the plane flutter 
and drop several hundred feet, as though dis- 
abled. Thus the enemy is fooled and he 
rights the plane, gets away to write this 
story home to the one who had always seen 
the good in him — his mother. 

September 20, 1918. 



72 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Sixty-Ninth Sketch. 

A flying trip to Garnett. Yesterday morn- 
ing we left home at 8:25, were met by an 
auto, lunched at Garnett, drove fifty miles, 
flagged a Katy Flier, and arrived home for 
dinner. Our thoughts were in harmony with 
a perfect day. We never made a quicker 
trip, or one more successful, all because we 
acted on the impulse of the moment. Were 
we always to act upon our good impulses, 
without reflection, using our emotions to 
add force to our deeds, the "joy-plane" would 
indeed be perfect, the results satisfactory, 
and this would be a busy world. When good 
impulses stir one to action without reflec- 
tion, the action leads to victory for Him 
who gave the impulse, while those who re- 
flect or hesitate must also assume responsi- 
bility, because their plots and plans are us- 
ually for a selfish purpose. It has been 
said : Doing nothing is a road to ruin. Then 
use your talents for Him who said, "Well 
done." 

September 27, 1918. 



73 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Seventieth Sketch. 

The other day we sitting alone with a 
most interesting Friend of yours — one who 
seemed to know all about you and me. Of 
course, we were interested to find one who 
knew you, and especially were we delighted 
to know his interest in us. We wonder who 
put him next? We now see this one sit- 
ting in His glory, in whose presence all na- 
tions must gather and be separated, the 
sheep on His right and the goats on His 
left. We hear His words to those on His 
right, "Inasmuch as ye did it * * * ye 
did it unto me/' and to those, on His left, 
"Inasmuch as ye did it not * * * ye 
did it not unto me." The side you and I 
will be on may be determined by our sub- 
scription to the Fourth Liberty Loan. If 
we do our part, the boys will do theirs, and 
God will do the rest and our "joy-plane" will 

indeed be perfect. 

October 4, 1918. 



74 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Seventy-First Sketch. 



As time goes on we find ourselves becom- 
ing more and more interested. That Friend 
of yours seems to know all about our "can- 
not-help it" natures, sees our mistakes and 
in some miraculous fashion is lifting us to 
higher levels. Of course there may be some, 
who, like those we are fighting, are so self- 
centered and dominating that we have lost 
interest, except to keep them on the run. 
True, none of us are perfect, and we only 
grow as we see and acknowledge our mis- 
takes, which, by the way, become more vivid 
as we get closer to that friend of yours, 
whose presence in a silent, yet forceful man- 
ner, speaks louder than words. Yes, we un- 
derstand your interest, your love and your 
devotion to Him who is leading. But what 
about the enemy? Leave it to Foch. Back 
up our boys and Germany will get a grand 
and glorious licking. Our flag, our boys and 
our Friend will be honored, and our joy per- 
fect. 

October 11, 1918. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Seventy-Second Sketch. 

In the long ago that Friend, who knows so 
much about us, was talking to a group of 
folks, concerning himself and our future. 
Among other things, he said: "I am the 
door of the sheep * * * he that enter- 
eth not by the door * * * but climbeth 
up some other way * * * is a thief and 
a robber." Sheep naturally follow a leader. 
Many are crying for peace, but their leader 
it seems, would climb up some other way. 
No doubt, many are deserving of peace, but 
by force are compelled to follow their leader, 
who would indeed be humiliated to acknowl- 
edge his wrong. However, peace can only 
come by the righting of a wrong, but what 
about those who refuse to right a wrong? 
Leave that to Foch ! Give our boys a chance 
and the goats will get all they are deserving 
of. And we will get the joy, which can only 
come through that Friend of yours, in whom 

we are equally interested. 

October 18, 1918. 



76 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Seventy-Third Sketch. 



Were our readers with us in person this 
beautiful, frosty, sunshiny morning, among 
other things, we would tell how we, too, be- 
came interested in your Friend, and how, 
through his influence, we are unconsciously 
reminded of many things concerning us; 
also how important an unconditional surren- 
der is to a permanent peace, and why that 
Friend would never be satisfied, nor be help- 
ful without the surrender, not only of self, 
but also of wealth accumulated by force 
("one thing thou lackest, go sell what thou 
hast, give to the poor, and come and follow 
me"), and that with the surrender responsi- 
bility shifts to the Friend, in whose hands 
all nations are safe and in whose presence 
all peoples must appear, but until such time 
as those, who are now crying for peace, are 
ready to pay the price, we must sacrifice, 
fight, and die, if need be. Otherwise, we 
would not be true to you nor to your Friend, 
for whom we are fighting. 

October 26, 1918. 



77 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Seventy-Fourth Sketch. 



When the mind of man goes to himself, 
instead of to you and your Friend, and so 
continues, bitterness, war and punishment 
results, causing a lonely feeling, similar to a 
loneliness which possibly prompted your 
Friend to ask: "What was it that ye dis- 
puted by the way?" "But they held their 
peace, for by the way they had discussed 
among themselves who should be greatest." 
Now, all of you who have not this week dis- 
cussed, argued or disputed by the way, have 
not become angered by unjust criticisms, or 
unfounded remarks, hold up your right hand. 
Guilty? We wonder has anyone been over- 
looked? Oh, yes, something, even during 
excitement, reminds us of dear ones and 
those we love most, the children, and as we 
gather them in our thoughts, we also see 
them gathered about your Friend, and we 
remember what he said about becoming as 
a little child, also: "He that is least among 
you all, the same shall be great." 

November 1. 1918. 



78 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Seventy-Fifth Sketch. 



It seems a long, long time since we first 
became interested in your Friend, in whose 
presence we are always happy. However, 
there was a time when we felt a lack of 
something — a hungry, dissatisfied feeling, 
when, through kindness, we were led into 
an experience which gave us a deeper and 
a richer interest. Altrusion, if practiced, al- 
ways leads one to you and your Friend, which 
means happiness. Now that the war is 
drawing to a close and we shall soon be gath- 
ering up the fragments, our thoughts and 
our sympathies go to those who suffered, or 
have lost a loved one or a friend. However, 
in the future, as we look back, we will re- 
member those who have fought, suffered 
and died in connection with your Friend, who 
was once amongst us as one of the least, but 
is, indeed, the greatest, and shall always 
speak to us in a quiet, yet forceful fashion, 
to ever increase our interest in you. 

November 8, 1918. 



79 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Seventy-Sixth Sketch. 



Monday's explosion vibrated the globe and 
the world was set in motion. Troubles gave 
way to joy, tears to smiles, and hatred to 
handshaking, embracing and seme kissing. 
So we younger fellows hardly felt safe. You 
should have been with us (?). Everybody 
seemed to love everybody else, and we joined 
in the chorus. The explosive — , "pent-up- joy" 
— was an accumulation of years, touched off 
by the defeat of one who only thought him- 
self to be the greatest and most powerful man 
in all the world. However, it is not what a 
man thinks, but what actually is, that counts. 
Ask the Kaiser if this is not true. Truly, on 
this international holiday we shall always re- 
member the Kaiser, and while Kaiserism is 
being trampled under foot, our boys and your 
Friend will be honored forever and ever. In 
the meantime, we should seek and obey God's 
will, and, if we submit our wills to His, our 

joy will, indeed, be perfect. 

November 15, 1918. 



so 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Seventy-Seventh Sketch. 



We sincerely trust you will not be dis- 
appointed. We are not going to Europe until 
later. We have faith in those in control to 
not only see that Germany gets a square 
deal, but also to give her that of which she 
is justly deserving. Just the other day we 
were approached by a gentleman, who said: 
"I was in your office the other day, but I 
did not find you in." "No," we replied, "and 
had we been in you would not have found us 
out." The man looked puzzled, as probably 
you are at this announcement. Yet, how true 
it is, man is only known as he is willing to 
reveal himself. Such revelations either im- 
pel or repel. As previously stated, Germany 
has revealed herself, and we are perfectly 
willing to leave her to the powers that be, 
providing those powers seek the leadership of 
your Friend, to whom we always give thanks 
for your kindness, your sympathetic inter- 
est and our victory. 

November 22, 1918. 



81 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Seventy-Eighth Sketch. 



"A penny for your thoughts," remarked a 
'teen aged boy to a girl. "They are not worth 
a penny," she said. "I was thinking about 
you." Since then, we have become more in- 
terested in diverting the thought of man to 
something of vastly greater value than an 
unworthy self. Otherwise we would be un- 
true to our convictions, unfair to you and 
others, also unjust to your Friend. If, how- 
ever, when we do go to Europe, we should 
happen to find you on the same boat, sitting 
alone in an obscure place, listening to the nice 
ugly things we might say about you, and 
smiling and laughing at our jokes, our 
thoughts would surely be worth more than 
money, our trip enriched by your presence 
and our joy perfect because of you and your 
Friend, whose presence is a defeat for the 
selfish rulers, many of whom are already in 
hiding. However, we take another chance. 
"A penny for your thoughts." 

November 29, 1918. 



82 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Seventy-Ninth Sketch. 



The other day two ladies called at our of- 
fice and after a brief visit we were told: 
"What you need is a Trench baby\" Of 
course, we always agree with the ladies, and 
soon were under contract to support a father- 
less child in France. Although we may have 
had fourteen reasons for wanting to go to 
Europe, we surely have good reasons for 
staying at home and a lot better reasons for 
liking the children. There is something 
about their pure love and devotion to always 
bring us just a little closer to you and your 
Friend, whose presence cannot be barred at 
the Peace Table. Also those who fought and 
died for Him will be gathered there to speak 
in a silent, yet forceful, fashion louder than 
words. This silent power, together with that 
of the Allied Christian Nations, should force 
and maintain the peace of the world, and you 
and your Friend and our heroic dead honored 

forever. 

December 6, 1918. 



83 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Eightieth Sketch. 



It is just as natural for us to like some 
people more than others as it is to breathe, 
and equally natural to always want to do that 
which appeals to us most. So we cannot help 
our likes and dislikes any more than we can 
help liking you and the children. If, how- 
ever, man should always follow his own in- 
clinations the children would be the first to 
sense his selfishness, which, if continued, 
would land him just beyond or this side of 
the ex-Kaiser. 

Whether such a punishment for one would 
be a joy to others matters not. The real test 
of man comes at a time when he must endure 
unjust criticism, suffer persecution and sac- 
rifice self for the sake of others and the 
church. Only those who have withstood the 
test or experienced the affect can fully ap- 
preciate how much your kindness and that 
of your Friend has meant to us c 

December 13, 1918. 



84 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Eighty-First Sketch. 



This, our story day, and it seems everybody 
we ever knew or would like to know are hov- 
ering in our thoughts: the smiling children 
and those we love most are indeed cheering, 
yet we note sorrow, tears and sadness. We 
do not understand this hovering, nor can we 
explain the mysteries of love, devotion or a 
deep sorrow, neither can we express the rich- 
ness which comes by accepting and using our 
gifts or experiences in honor of Him who 
gives. Surely somewhere back of the clouds 
are gathered with your Friend a mighty host 
who have labored, fought and died for Him 
whose invisible presence means happiness. 
To visualize the story, "the Baby, the Boy, 
the Man," then in some fashion reach out, 
as it were, and touch the hem of His garment. 
We somehow feel sorrows turn to joy, tears 
to smiles and sadness to gladness, meaning 
victory for you and for me and a richer 

Christmas wish to all. 

December 20, 1918. 



85 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Eighty- Second Sketch. 

Kismet — "Sometimes we meet those whom 
we might have loved, had fate but sooner 
placed them in our way. We pass each other 
with a nod and smile, perhaps a hand clasp 
or a greeting gay, and life whirls on; it will 
not rest a day, and we forget. 

Years pass, years full of pleasure, love 
and friends; we think life has been kind to 
us, and then some little word or deed, a smile, 
a glance, brings mem'ries of those loves that 
might have been, and life whirls on. It will 
not rest a day, though mem'ry yearns." 

Some may forget, others never, the * 'three 
cheers." The look, the smile, a glance and a 
few kind words are but stepping stones lead- 
ing to happiness, and a love which f adeth not. 
May the what-actually-is, instead of the 
"what-might-have-been," in some fashion 
bring a new joy is my New Year's wish, to 

you and yours. 

December 27, 1918. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Eighty-Third Sketch. 

Goodbye 1918, you have been a good old 
year, full of life, love, pleasure and troubles, 
also some losses ; with a tinge of sadness and 
gladness, the record is closed, accounts bal- 
anced, and we carry forward accumulated 
good to cheer us on the New Year, 1919 ; the 
troubles and losses are charged to profit and 
loss, and are fast fading in the distance. 
Among our liabilities we find a contract to 
support a fatherless child in France. We 
were just assigned Mile. Reine Li vet, born 
March 12th, 1908. Of course, we won't say 
why we anticipated a trip to Europe later, but 
that you may be more interested in the child, 
and that she may appear closer to us, we call 
her "Hayzel." Among our assets we find a 
host of friends, and enough money to start 
the New Year with a boom. However, the 
most valued of all our assets is a true friend- 
ship and a Friend to lead us on to greater 
victory. 

January 2, 1919. 



87 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Eighty-Fourth Sketch. 



Memorial — The Great American — Honest 
in purpose, true to his God, his people and 
his convictions. He fell into a deep, sweet, 
peaceful sleep. No secrets he did not tell, 
nor were there ponderings of his heart God 
did not know. Yet like a babe in its mother's 
arms, he now sleeps as one without a care 
and his soul passed on without disturbing 
even his peaceful pose. A more beautiful, 
peaceful death we cannot conceive. Theodore 
Roosevelt's life, his altruism and his farewell 
words to the Frenchman : "I have no message 
to send to France. I have given her the best 
I have. If over there you speak of me, tell 
them simply that I have but one regret, that 
I was not able to give myself," are now speak- 
ing to us in a fashion to lead the world to 
higher ideals and a closer relationship with 
your Friend, the Leader, the salvation and 

the joy of the world. 

January 10, 1919. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Eighty-Fifth Sketch. 

The sketch of Theodore Roosevelt in The 
Star, January 8th, suggests our "Going down 
that long, long trail with you." The picture 
portrays the "Rough Rider" on a white horse, 
waving his final goodbye and the long, long 
trail winding amidst scenery and clouds. 

Although he was kept out of the war, yet 
by the artist's touch we catch inspiring 
visions of Theodore Roosevelt ascending on 
a white horse to lead the long, long trail of 
our heroic dead, whose influence will direct 
the peace of the world. 

All admire a great fighter. But to become 
great, one must overcome his own selfish 
desires, must always direct his fight, against 
the evil and for the good of his people, re- 
gardless of political or personal interests. 
This subject should attract the artists of the 
world. May God inspire their touch and per- 
fect a painting through which that great 
American may speak to us through all etern- 
ity. 

January 17, 1919. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Eighty-Sixth Sketch. 

Who are the Stars? Nature has provided 
some to do big things, others to be great ac- 
tors. We see them at the desk, on the bench, 
and at the front; also on the stage, in the 
movies and in the pulpit. Occasionally we 
see one who has acquired the art of applying 
the human touch in a manner as though led 
by the Divine. This added force prompts him 
to do and to dare. But "where there is one, 
there is always another," whose human touch 
and inspiration is quietly leading him on to 
victory. This quiet one we seldom see or 
know. Who are they? They are the Stars. 
Then it is the human touch, inspired by the 
Divine, which moves the active star to serve 
with a passion which moves the world to do 
honor and glory to the greatest Star of all. 
For this purpose and for the purpose of 
bringing peace and liberty to others all na- 
tions should be united. 

January 24, 1919. 



90 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Eighty-Sevexth Sketch. 



Visions of man, like a League of Nations, 
are often beyond his power to explain or exe- 
cute, because of his natural tendencies to do 
things in a hard way, while God's way is al- 
ways simple, positive and effective; indeed, 
so simple that even a child may understand 
it. Surely no combination of nations were 
ever more powerful than the Allies, who 
formed an alliance to fight for God and man. 
This ever increasing power was due to the 
high purpose for whicn it fought, for this 
same purpose the Alliance must now nego- 
tiate and maintain peace, assist in establish- 
ing governments for the weaker nations, and 
as fast as they make good also admit them 
to this Alliance, and so on until a League of 
Nations may be formed, which League must 
be equipped with sufficient military and naval 
strength that the entire world may feel its 
mighty protecting force. It seems to us, by 
a simple plan, nations may be won, God hon- 
ored and his people protected. 

January 31, 1919. 



91 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Eighty-Eighth Sketch. 



Man, in all lines, political or otherwise, 
should never build — even on a rock — without 
first testing it sfoundation. The foundation 
on which our Alliance was formed withstood 
the test and the "gates of hell" were smashed. 
Its visible and invisible strength increased, 
because of its Divine purpose, and its solid 
foundation. However, victory did not change 
human nature. The devil's hope — selfishness 
of man — is continually decreasing man's 
power. Therefore the combination of powers 
v/hich won the war must now be organized 
into a permanent Alliance, Society, League — 
call it what you please, but give it power to 
be used for the same high purpose as were 
our sacrifices, and its power will increase or 
decrease and our heroic dead and our great 
Leader honored. May those at Versailles so 
guard man's weakness that an effective or- 
ganization may be perfected to insure protec- 
tion to our people and our laws. 

February 7, 1919. 



92 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Eighty-Ninth Sketch. 

Something seems to be tugging, like chil- 
dren begging for a story, and we do not un- 
derstand it. Of course, we never did get over 
being a boy, yet we do not understand why 
a boy always has at least one best girl. 
Neither can one explain why some men never 
get over it right. But of this we are sure, that 
we still like children better than all the poli- 
ticians put together, that this spirit keeps 
us young, playfully and always ready for good 
time, and it is through pure-minded children 
we get a richer conception of God and His 
purpose, through these sources we may draw 
power and the necessary punch to always 
fight for the children and their code. By the 
way, it just occurs to us what prompts the 
boy to remember his best girl on February 
14th, remember we are still a boy, the chil- 
dren our best girl and this your Valentine. 

February 14, 1919. 



93 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Nintieth Sketch. 



Children like singing on the rear vestibule 
of a train, are still hovering in our thoughts. 
Even this week, while attending Centenary 
Conference, we were thinking of them and 
your Friend, who, too, is a lover of children. 
At this Conference after the Centenary Move- 
ment was explained and many questions 
asked, the speaker gave the minute men an 
opportunity to say why they liked Centenary. 
Several snappy reasons were given, where- 
upon we arose, saying: "Because it puts re- 
ligion into the pew, and may put it into the 
preacher, too." Of course, the minute men 
laughed, but the laugh turned when we were 
made chairman of the minute men of five of 
the leading churches. We must now make 
short talks at many church services. But 
to put pep into the movement will require a 
mighty positive, magnetic force. This we can 
only get through the inspiring children and 
that of your Friend, who will lead, and put 

Centenary over the top. 

February 21, 1919. 



94 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Ninty-First Sketch. 

It has been well said that "Electricity is 
the essence of pep." Pep, then, is the active 
force of man and is apparently more powerful 
than electricity. Belongs to God, and is di- 
rectly or indirectly lighting- the world and 
making her machinery hum, and will increase 
or decrease, depending on its use. Surely to 
use pep for a selfish purpose might be equiva- 
lent to touching a live wire and would soon 
put man out of business, unless, of course, it 
is used for God and man. Electricity, then, 
like the Spirit of God, is a mighty, positive, 
active, yet invisible force, through which God 
calls man to service, and he grows into power, 
which power will stir Unit Leaders, Minute 
Men, and individuals into action, the pep of 
which will move the world. However, even 
while "politicians" play "league," you and the 
children must be with us in heart and spirit 
and your Friend must lead to put "centenary" 

over. 

February 28, 1919. 



95 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Ninty-Second Sketch. 

Playing League, like playing solitaire, the 
player may arbitrarily stack the cards and 
win, is usually quiet, nothing to say, and 
nothing when the game is won, except pos- 
sibly a personal satisfaction. Then cut soli- 
taire, and instead substitute "Centenary/ 7 
and you have the two great topics of the day, 
a "League of Nations," and the "Centenary 
Movement," each commanding thought, at- 
tention and discussion, each carrying a ban- 
ner of peace to attract a needy world. One 
appears political, is speculative, untried and 
might lead to complications; the other has 
withstood the test of time, is positive and 
sure, leading to a permanent peace. There- 
fore is divine and is lead by the most power- 
ful, yet kind and sympathetic, as well as the 
most practical "Minute Man" who ever 
walked the face of the globe, one who came 
that we might have life and have it more 
abundantly ; later to say : "My peace I leave 
with you." "Choose ye this day whom ye 

will serve." 

March 7, 1918. 



96 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Ninety-Third Sketch. 



Man may be a natural genius, possess qual- 
ities to inspire and hold the confidence of his 
people, attract a ' large following, yet be 
selfish, but by manipulation may hide his pur- 
pose, gain his point and carry the issues of 
the day. But he would be out of harmony 
with God and the law, and an absolute fail- 
ure. Harmony, the opposite of friction, is 
pleasing to the ear, touches the heart and 
stirs the very soul of man. It is a quiet, uni- 
fying force, adjusting one part to another, 
forming a connecting whole, and leads man's 
thoughts to its very source. By this, we may 
know whether the issues are for political or 
for general good. Its mighty influence 
should guide man in public or private life, and 
lead him and his following to success. And 
may also remind him of the children, loved 
ones and friends, as well as his first contact 
with this mighty penetrating force, which 

belongs to God. 

March 14, 1919. 



97 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Ninety-Fourth Sketch. 

The defeat of one man, the devil's central 
power plant, did not defeat, but only scat- 
tered the evil. So the world today is full 
of "isms" and "ites" and her people are now 
crying for peace. But there can be no peace 
without harmony, which quieting force pro- 
duces individual satisfaction. The seeking of 
individual satisfaction, however, will produce 
all manner and kinds of "ismites," evil doers, 
power seekers, creating a desire to rule, and 
will, if continued, land its leaders where it did 
the ex-Kaiser. Now that the devil lacks har- 
mony and his forces are scattered into fic- 
titious "ismites," it seems to us it is time 
to unite God's forces and strike the knockout 
blow. The "League First" may gratify, but 
not satisfy, but the "kingdom first," will lead 
to a permanent, lasting peace. So you and 
the Minute Men must work together, that the 
"Prince of Peace" may rule the world, and 
satisfy those who are longing for his minis- 
try. 

March 21, 1919. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Ninety-Fifth Sketch. 



A League of Nations, like a ship at sea, 
must have power within itself, or it will be 
swayed by the wind and torn to pieces by the 
storm. But to give it power without disturb- 
ing individual national independence, is baf- 
fling the greatest minds of the day. Power 
belongs to God. God and man each endows 
his representatives with power, also laws gov- 
erning their acts. Our laws provide for war 
and peace treaties, but do not provide for a 
League of Nations, with necessary unlimited 
power to rule the world. Nor do we want an- 
other Kaiser, neither can we give man or his 
creation unlimited power without a repetition 
of Germany's mistake, and without violating 
a sacred God-given trust: In the meantime 
peace is delayed and Bolshevism is gaining 
ground, putting to death men of vision and 
ability. Playing league at the expense of 
others has almost ceased to be a virtue, "The 
Kingdom First," means peace first and an 
absolute defeat for Kaiserism. 

March 28, 1919. 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Ninety-Sixth Sketch. 



"The Kingdom First." means success, vic- 
tory and peace, and that we should guard and 
hold sacred that which we have won. Other- 
wise we might get the cart before the horse, 
and put 'the business, political or social life 
first, which means failure. It means man 
must always put his "best girl" second or 
last. It means the fight of his life, but to him 
who can conquer himself, and overcome his 
own selfish desires, "all these things shall be 
added." And to each of those who are faith- 
ful and true, "The last shall be first and the 
frist last." Then, "seek ye first the King- 
dom," adopt "The Kingdom First," slogan, 
also the principles of your Friend," that you 
may be worthy of that which he gives, and 
you will never think of the gift that you do 
not think of the giver, and they will become 
as one in your thought. Three cheers: Man 
may become worthy and his "best girl" first. 

April 4, 1919. 



100 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Ninety-Seventh Sketch. 

"Gee! Talk about 'camouflage/ you don't 
look it. Birthday greetings." This, with 
other greetings and the joy of being remem- 
bered, gave us a good start to celebrate the 
one day on which, from the very beginning, 
we were not blamed for anything we did, and 
of course should not be blamed now, espe- 
cially for that which we cannot help. If 
woman is as old as she looks, and man only 
as old as he feels, we have a hope in this. 
"Man either is his best at forty, or just be- 
gins to improve at that age." So from now 
on, we should show signs of improvement. 
Nature may "camouflage" the age, but man 
cannot hide his acts, nor can he "camouflage" 
the good spirit within. It is like a boy in 
love for the first time, simply shines through, 
regardless of his efforts to hide it. By this 
light, people find each other, also Him who 
instilled the flame. May it always shine for 
you. 

April 11, 1919. 



101 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



Ninety-Eighth Sketch. 



Sunday morning, the 14th, we drove to 
Buckner, Mo., stopped at the garage and in- 
quired for the Methodist Church. "Are you 
to preach there this morning ?" we were 
asked. "No," we said. "Only to make a talk. 
Should we run out of gas can you send up a 
little?" "Yes," the man replied, "all you 
want." "Then you had better hear what we 
have to say." In our preliminary remarks at 
the church, we told of this incident, our pre- 
paredness, and that we had nothing to fear, 
even if their preacher was ill. After describ- 
ing the Centenary Movement, we paused, with 
a blank look, as though mind ceased working. 
"Will someone bring the gas?" We finally 
said, smiling. The laughter, which followed, 
however, soon turned to serious thinking as 
the talk turned to preparedness, service and 
"The Kingdom First." At the conclusion 
came congratulations, invitations and the 
many good things to eat at the Harra Man- 
sion on the hill. See what you missed. 

April 18, 1919. 



102 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

Ninety-Ninth Sketch. 

Sunday morning, four years ago, we, too, 

were up early. We must leave at eight to 

catch our Eastern train at eleven, on which 

fortunately, we secured an upper. For three 

hours our thoughts went to those we had 

visited. We were leaving mother, we feared, 

for the last time, and a strange sadness came 

to us as we felt ourselves slipping away. We 

agree. "Those who have loved and lost never 

get beyond the cross," but those who have 

loved and won, like Mary Magdalene, must 

have a friend to lead them beyond, and that 

we felt a need. As we were transferred, all 

eyes turned to the lone upper berth passenger 

whose indifferent seat mates prompted an 

elderly couple across the aisle to kindly offer 

a seat. Yes, we felt a need at a moment, 

when, through kindness and a few kind words 

we were unconsciously led beyond, to find 

your Friend and Mary's had also arisen for 

us. 

April 25, 1919. 



103 



THE BROKEN UNIT 



One Hundredth Sketch. 



May 25, 1917, we wrote the first sketch of 
a story, appropriately named "The Broken 
Unit." Our boys were leaving, units were be- 
ing broken, people separated and sadness pre- 
vailed all over our land. For nearly two years, 
we have tried to "Keep the home fires burn- 
ing," remembering those requesting a story, 
and especially those whose kindness leads be- 
yond. And if we have been fortunate in lead- 
ing even one beyond a cross of sadness, our 
efforts were surely not in vain. Now, as we 
conclude the one hundredth sketch, our own 
Kansas City boys are coming home, but not 
all. Scenes of welcome, and joy smiling 
through the tears are beyond description, and 
will never be forgotten. But those whose 
boys are not, those who have felt that they 
loved and lost, have surely loved and won. 
These are among our greatest heroes, and 
their supreme sacrifice will surely lead the 
world beyond the cross, and many will find 
that your Friend and mine has also risen for 
them. May 2, 1919. 



104 



THE WHISPERING ROMANCE 
OF THE HILLS 

WHEN the mountains, like the power 
behind the Throne, get to tuggin' at 
yo', like children begging for a romp 
or a story, and if you feel lonely and really 
hungry for the mountain air, there is only 
one thing to do, and that is to go to the hills. 
This represents our recent experience while 
visiting the fertile valleys of Colorado, in view 
of the mountains, whose wnisperings we could 
not resist. 

We are now en route to Denver, and as we 
alight from our tram at Colorado Springs 
for breakfast, the first thing wc wanted to 
know and asked a boy standing by: "Who 
knocked the peak off the pike?" The once 
proud snow-capped peak, with its quiet, 
peaceful pose was entirely bare, looked rough, 
flat and broken, as though someone had sat 
down on it. Evidently it was too close to the 
sun. The snow melted, and we could see the 
peak as it really is, barren and fruitless. Re- 
member, beauty is only skin deep, and that 
the surface may be camouflaged, but when 
the light or heat is turned on, the camouflage 
disappears and we see beneath the surface, 
which also may be barren and fruitless, un- 
less, of course, the beauty is within. 

We reach Denver, and after making sev- 

105 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

eral business calls and as we could not dispel 
that whispering, calling or tugging of the 
hills, we went to Boulder for the night, 
expecting to take a stage drive up the moun- 
tains, but where, we did not know. But of 
this we are sure, we had no thought of writ- 
ing a story, nor did we have any in mind. 

We are now on a stage, sitting by the 
chauffeur, winding up through Boulder Can- 
yon, on the beautiful drive which follows the 
mountain stream to Nederland, a distance of 
eighteen miles. This drive, like life, is in- 
teresting, because one cannot see far ahead, 
and curiosity seems to lead and create a de- 
sire to see the beyond. 

We have already passed The Alps, a log 
cottage hotel, consisting of several smaller 
cottages, built on the side of the hill amid 
beautiful trees, facing this drive and moun- 
tain stream, whose waters act ssa lullaby to 
those who seek this secluded spot for a little 
quiet rest, and where we, too, engage quar- 
ters for a few days' stop on our return trip. 

We have also passed the Eagle Rock, the 
old home of the eagle, and the Castle Rock, 
to the top of which a couple climbed and were 
married, without even asking our consent — 
when suddenly that invisible something 
which always hovers about us on our story 



106 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

day, reminded us that this was our story 
day and that "something" had followed 
us, even to the hills. The quiet, hesitat- 
ing rock, like some people, was now speak- 
ing louder than words. t The pines might 
have been whispering "Some Day" — for 
all we know, while the romping, playing 
waters, like children, seemed to strike the re- 
sponsive chord of our nature, and we felt 
ourselves drawn by the harmony. Just 
around the bend yonder is the old Half-way 
House, the old home of the stage coach days, 
now closed to the public. It was here people 
would stop for refreshments, a meal or lodg- 
ing. In other words, it was where people 
would meet face to face. No doubt friend- 
ships were formed there, attachments made 
— and there might have been a kiss stolen 
now and tnen behind the screen. Who knows 
or cares now what happened then? But 
what about the "Half -Way House" in your 
own life? Did you meet a friend there face 
to face, become attached, were your thoughts 
and deeds harmonized in a manner beyond 
your power to explain or understand ? If so, 
you are better prepared for the rest of the 
trip, which is up steep grades, around sharper 
curves and appears even more dangerous. 
Just beyond the Half-Way House, across 



107 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

the creek yonder, we admired a beautiful tree. 
Yes, there is always one best, one who gets 
just a little closer to man than all the rest, 
and that one he always thinks of as the best. 
However, as we reaph the tree we find it had 
already been labeled, "The Perfect Tree." 
Evidently someone else admired the same 
tree. Of course, we do not think less of the 
tree, simply admire another's choice of the 
many trees we had seen. 

Away up yonder, we see a great concrete 
wall, the dam, and far above that the drive 
over which we must pass. Later we see the 
lake, 165 feet deep, which was formed by this 
dam. This is the direct power plant, which 
is indirectly lighting and furnishing power 
for the valleys and cities below. Although 
this, a creation of man, it indicates that man's 
power and light must come from above. 

We finally reach Nederland, just beyond 
the lake, to find the summit still far be- 
yond, but the scenery less attractive. The 
roads appear rough, so we wait an hour be- 
fore we start back. 

While waiting at this old mining camp, 
nothing to do, our thoughts go back, espe- 
cially to friendships formed in the hills, 
twelve or more years ago, and we might have 
also remembered friendships of a more re- 



108 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

cent date. It matters not, but we were espe- 
cially interested in a happy family with whom 
we had visited long ago, and also on this trip. 
In fact, were just entertained in their beauti- 
ful home. The three children with whom we 
romped twelve years previous are now young 
people, the eldest, a handsome, commanding 
young man, had just returned from France, 
after two years' service. The other boy, too 
young for service, also had a promising fu- 
ture. The youngest, now a beautiful girl, 
almost sixteen, at first did not seem natural 
to us, and on mention of the fact, and on be- 
ing told her age, we remarked : "This is our 
last chance/' at which the difference was 
less noticeable, but just what happened — you 
must guess. 

Yes, we also met the Swede foreman, whose 
words, "Where's there's one, there's always 
another," had much to do in our comparative 
illustrations, so noticeable through our story 
sketches. "Charley," we said, "do you re- 
member the morning we found the ore on 
the dump?" "Yes," he said, "he been rich." 
And when we showed him the first sketch of 
this little volume and alter he had read it, 
his voice choked, when he told of three of 
his children having passed on. Thus the hour 
was spent, reviewing life's stories. 



109 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

We are now on our return trip, alone with 
the chauffeur. And for a few minutes we 
stop at the high point, overlooking the lake. 
We at once realize the limit of man's genius 
and power. Then, as we look down ahead at 
the scenes through which we had passed, like 
a panoramic vision, it seems to us in a mo- 
ment we had also visualized scenes of our own 
life through which we had passed. Yes, the 
mountain scenery looked rough and broken, 
but as we recall the romance of the Half-way 
House, the whispering pine and "The Perfect 
Tree," and that there is always one in each 
man's life who gets just a little closer to him, 
we begin to see beauty in that which appears 
rough. But who is the girl ? The chauffeur, 
one of those quiet, reserved kind of men, did 
not say, he only told us, the girl climbed 
Castle Rock, was married, and, as far as we 
know, she has not been heard of since. How- 
ever, this matters not, nor does it matter 
that the tree had already been labeled. Life's 
stories all date back to the one moment when 
through a glance or a look a lasting impres- 
sion is made. But remember no life story is 
complete within itself, nor could it exist with- 
out another. Yes, "Where there is one, there 
is always another." We again recall "The Per- 
fect Tree," and remember the perfect man, 



110 



THE BROKEN UNIT 

whose divine touch is similar fco the human, 
but richer and more satisfying ir» effect, and 
that it is through the divine we get the hu- 
man touch. Also remember your story and 
mine are still in the rough, as it were, or in 
the making. When it is finished, may it be 
as radiant and transparent in its beauty and 
satisfying in effect as His who gave it to 
you and to me. May also the " Whispering 
Romance of the Hills," and of the "Broken 
Unit" sketches speak in some fashion of the 
"One who doeth all things well," and con- 
cluded his life story, "It is finished." 



in 



SCHOOLEY KANSAS C/TY 




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